ETHNIC TRIBAL TOUR

Duration : 12 Days

Kolkata - Bhubaneswar - Konark - Dhauli - Pipli - Raghurajpur - Puri - Chilika - Gopalpur -

Rayagada - Bisamkatak - Chhatikona - Jeypore - Kunduli - Vizag - Chennai

Day 01 : Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata in the evening. Transfer to Hotel by private vehicle.

Day 02 : Kolkata
After breakfast, full day city tour visiting Dalhousie Square (Covering Raj Bhavan, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings), Flower Market, Howrah Bridge, Kumhartoli (The Potter’s Village), Jain Temple, Marble Palace, Indian Museum, St.Paul’s Cathedral Church and Victoria Memorial.

Day 03 : Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar (Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board flight for Bhubaneshwar. known as 'City of Temples' where one can explore more than 700 ancient Temples. Arrive Bhubaneshwar, check-in at prebooked hotel.

Afternoon, sightseeing of Bhubaneshwar. Visit the Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Lingam here is unique which is a Hari-Hara lingam; half Shiva and half Vishnu. The temple is about a thousand years old and dominates the skyline of Bhubaneswar city from as far as 15 kms. away and exhibits the skill of the Odishan temple architects. (Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple premises)
Rajarani Temple which got its name from a red- gold sand stone, called Rajarani locally, has no presiding deity. The temple has intricately carved figurines in various stages of daily chores & it is called Khajuraho of Orissa.

Day 04 : Bhubaneshwar - Dhauli - Pipli - Raghurajpur - Puri (75 kms., 1.5 hrs. drive)
Drive to Puri, enroute visit Dhauli (Buddhist Stupa), Hirapur 64 Yogini temple along with bell-metal work village, Pipli appliqué craft village and Raghurajpur artisan village.

Day 05 : Puri
After breakfast, proceed to visit the Vishnu temple (Known as Jagannath Temple) from the roof top to get the spectacular views and photos as non-Hindus are not allowed inside.

Excursion to Konark, one of the world's wonders according to Mark Twain. It is amongst the most vivid architectural treasures of India.

Day 06 : Puri - Odishan Villages - Chilika Lagoon - Gopalpur (200 kms., 05 hrs. drive )
Drive to Gopalpur enroute visit Odishan villages, boat cruise at the island to explore migratory birds. Continue drive to Gopalpur.

Day 07 : Gopalpur - Rayagada (220 kms, 06 hrs. drive)
Drive to Rayagada enroute visit Taptapani (hot sulphur springs) and Saura tribal villages.

Day 08 : Rayagada
Excursion to Bisamkatak, 55 kms. to visit weekly market (Tuesday) of Desia Kondh ribe at Dukum. Later visit the craft village. Walk on Niyamgiri hills to visit the original Dongaria Kondh hamlets on special permit.

Day 09 : Rayagada - Chhatikona - Jeypore (220 kms, 06 hrs. drive)
Drive to Chhatikona, the weekly (Wednesday), colourful Dongaria Kondh market. Dongari's come down with their forest produce to sell/barter with non-tribals, an interesting event to watch. Overnight at Jeypore.

Day 10 : Jeypore
Drive to Onkudelli, the most interesting market of Bondos/Gadabas/Didayees (weekly market on Thursday). Later visit Ollar Gadaba tribal villages.

Day 11 : Jeypore - Kunduli - Vizag
After breakfast, drive to Vizag enroute visit Kunduli to witness the largest tribal market on the Paroja people. (weekly market on Friday)

Day 12 : Vizag - Chennai
Morning, visit the Shimachalam temple on a hillock and explore the port city of Vizag.

Evening, transfer to the airport to board flight for Chennai. Arrive Chennai Á board onward/return flight.